Should we try an #askkidlit? Send your questions about publishing, the market, careers, etc. I'll do my best. And I know some of these questions can be scary to air publicly, so if you'd rather DM, let me know.
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I wish I had the answer to this. I don't. I expect the tarrifs will hit 4 color printing hardest as that's done abroad. I'd expect prices to go up as those costs are passed on to the consumer. (That was happening anyway.) #askkidlit
The industry was going through a massive reset even before the election and this is just adding to the chaos. I think a lot is still wait and see. And meanwhile, what you can keep doing is creating and supporting the booklit community. Focus on what you can directly influence and control. #askkidlit
Suppose you've got a manuscript that you can't find anything "wrong" with, but it still feels like it's missing something. How can you figure out what it needs?
(Other than having another person look at it, because that almost always helps!)
I mean, yes, beta reads, etc. But if you're doing it without outside input, let it sit for a little while so you can come back to it with fresh eyes. Meanwhile, seek the inspiration for or dive into something new. #askkidlit
Organizing your website into the sections of what you want to do helps a lot. If you want to be considered to do maps, for instance, but there are no maps in your portfolio or there isn't a section, ADs and Editors don't know you're interested in that. #askkidlit
Getting into the PB industry as a debut author is tough! What tips and advice do you have to help you stand out amidst agents/editors? (Thanks for always doing these!)
1. Read A LOT! Make sure you can demonstrate you know what's out there and how your projects can fit in but are making your own mark out there.
2. Have a portfolio ready before you query. No agent's signing you on a single ms. And if you have their attention, you don't want to lose it.
#askkidlit
3. Be persistent. Querying is a slog. It still just takes one yes. Have your list of possibilities prepped. When you get a pass, send out the next query. The nos aren't personal. Fight letting them feel that way.
#askkidlit
4. Always be working on the next thing. It might be THE thing. And it will keep you busy and growing your craft while you wait on what's already out there. #askkidlit
5. Support the community. Creating can be lonely. Find the people in the trenches with you. Learn from them. Boost their successes. They'll do the same for you when your time comes. #askkidlit
Thank you Alison! These are wonderful tips (and very affirming since I’m doing these things as I strive to stand out!). Thank you for all you do to support the writing community!
Hello ! I have 2 questions in one : is a publisher more likely to hire an illustrator represented by an agent ? And if so, is this even possible to get represented if we haven't published anything significant yet ? I feels it's an ouroboros quite a bit.
Yes. As folks are searching for a project, they tend to lean on art reps and agents, but they also go through Instagram, etc. hunting new looks. And, yeah. You need to build up your portfolio, but it doesn't need to be with published work. Just strong samples showcasing your style(s). #askkidlit
I think it's all seeping out. I know some are adamantly against, and some seem to be leaning in (see the Harper news that broke in the last days). Many are still waiting and watching. #askkidlit
Sure. I think it's possible. The trick is visibility and getting past the gatekeepers, and those are not easy tasks, self-pub or traditional channel. But if you have the self-promotion bug, of course. #askkidlit
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(Other than having another person look at it, because that almost always helps!)
2. Have a portfolio ready before you query. No agent's signing you on a single ms. And if you have their attention, you don't want to lose it.
#askkidlit
#askkidlit